North-east celebs to attend launch of Fit Like, Yer Majesty?
08/09/08
A host of North-east celebrities will be joining schoolchildren at picturesque Fyvie Castle this week to launch of a new book of Doric poetry.
Doric broadcaster and writer Robbie Shepherd, storyteller, author and poet Sheena Blackhall, River City star Joyce Falconer, Scotland the What star Steven Robertson, and renowned fiddler Paul Anderson will be among the stars at the launch.
The poems in Fit Like, Yer Majesty? have been penned by scrievers aged 14 – 92 from throughout Scotland. The book includes a poem, Heather's Weather, about BBC weather presenter Heather Reid.
Schoolchildren from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray will bring to life some of the poems featured in the book of 47 poems during Doric tours of the castle, at the launch on 11 September.
Renowned artist Bob Dewar has produced 59 vibrant illustrations to complement the poems.
The launch, which will be presided over by Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools and Skills: who has written the foreword to Fit Like, Yer Majesty? will celebrate not only the book, but also the local culture and heritage of north-east Scotland.
The MSP said: “I wis brocht up spikkin the Doric bit canna ivver min seein ony buiks far I could read it. So it’s gran to see this buik and tae ken that the bairns’ll hae a chance tae read it as pairt o their squeelin. It’ll fit in jist fine in the Curriculum for Excellence – the bittie aboot oor ain Scots tongue. We’re aafa lucky tae hae sic a rare lot o fowk writin the Doric sae weel.”
Sheena Blackhall said: “Fit like your Majesty? is a book for all seasons, all ages and all those who love Scots. A must-have Christmas present for relatives at home
and abroad, if you can bear to part with one!
“There's everything here from city moggies to Fyvie ghosties. This is destined to become a much used, much loved book.”
This initiative is being led by Aberdeen City Council’s Reading Bus, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council and the University of Aberdeen.
The Reading Bus team, together with cross-agency partners, has developed a comprehensive series of learning experiences to complement the poems and their vibrant illustrations. These approaches use a variety of tools including storytelling, film animation, broadcasting, dramatisation and film making.
A selection of them will be showcased at the launch, including the animated film Three Wishes, which was created by Woodside School pupils in partnership with Station House Media Unit. The children worked with a professional animator on their translation of the poem Pearls tae the Grumphies, which is featured in Fit Like, Yer Majesty?
These activities will be made available in schools and communities in September, together with sessions for staff.
Fit Like, Yer Majesty? costs £6.99 and is available from www.readingbus.co.uk
The book will also be on sale at Tesco.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
